The carriage rolled into Bergama as the sun started to rise on the horizon. Lucline breathed a sigh of relief as she and Rasina climbed down. Talsma and Vasfer approached them.

"We have arrive, desert jewels," Vasfer inclined his head. "These ones shall wait for your return at yonder inn." He nodded at the inn next to the carriage house and stables. "We leave tomorrow night at sunset."

"Thank you, Vasfer and Talsma." Lucline grinned. "It was an enjoyable trip."

Talsma wave her away. "This one is pleased to aid you. So polite and good with fighting off attackers. Many just cower as Vasfer and Talsma fight off the enemies."

Rasina frowned. "That's just not right. I'm very sorry you're forced to deal with that."

Vasfer laughed. "Oh, it is more enjoyable to have more targets to this one's self. See you jewels tomorrow."

They departed and headed inside the city proper and to Stone Oasis, the inn in the central plaza. As much as they wanted to get the job done first, both were far too tired after the trip and a couple days light sleep to do more. While Rasina got ready for bed, Lucline set up the stone in the window and soon the air was cool and comfortable in the inn room from the magic of the stone. Lucline changed as well and joined Rasina on the bed. She was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the soft pillow.

Elder-Scrolls*

The next morning, they had a light breakfast before heading out into the city. Don up in their sun cloaks, they looked just like two more local women going about their duties. What amazed Lucline was some of the people went around without the strong fabric blocking the rays of Magnus from their skin.

Rasina shook her head. "I don't know how they do that. My skin burns in sympathy for them. Even if they don't get sun burn, it still cannot be comfortable."

Lucline giggled. "Perhaps they are used to it. It must be hard to do things like digging in a cloak like that."

Rasnia chuckled in response. "Perhaps. Come on, let's go and see if we can find this girl."

Lucline pulled out the scrap of parchment that Minrre had written the place where the girl had been seen on. Soon, they were standing outside the home. In the walls, they could see an Imperial girl around 6 years ago, effortlessly floating an apple around her head with magic.

The girl had waist length brown hair and her eyes were a bright green. She had softer features than many Imperials that Lucline knew but was dressed in their style. She seemed not to mind the sun shining down on her or the head from the sand under her bare feet. Lucline was impressed, even she could not use magic to that degree even with the new spell Minrre had invented.

The girl turned to face them, the apple returning to a basket near the door.

"Hello, are you from the Society? Mummy had a visitor that told her to expect some girls to visit."

Lucline felt her lips move into a smile as she removed her hood, allowing her blonde hair to flow freely. Her blue eyes looked into the green eyes of the child.

"My name is Lucline Dufrey, and this is my partner and companion Rasina at-Sentinel. That is why we have come."

The girl beamed at her. "My name is Riatira Artia. But my family and friends called me Tira."

Rasina held out a hand which Tira shook warmly before doing the same with Lucline. Rasina smiled.

"A lovely name. But do you not go by Ria?"

The girl shook her head. "I considered it, but I like Tira better. It makes me think of those crowns that princesses wear. I like those."

Lucline nodded. "Tiaras are very pretty, Tira. I can do your hair up to look like a little crown if you like. My mother used to do my hair like that every morning."

Tira's eyes went wide, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh, please do! Come on, mummy is waiting for you, but you can do that after."

Rasina gave Lucline a look she knew all too well. "If you know fancy hair styles, why do you keep your hair loose and wild every day?" She asked with a hint of mirth in her words.

Lucline shrugged. "I don't have fond memories of the days my hair was like that. But she might enjoy it, given her like of tiaras. If I can help just a little, I should."

"Good answer." Rasina placed a light kiss on her cheek. Tira was already running back towards the house. "Come on, let's not keep the monkey waiting for us."

Lucline chuckled. A valid description given how much energy the girl was showing despite the heat. They followed Tira inside.